The Autism Advocate

Welcome to The Autism Advocate, ANNA’s monthly newsletter! We hope this will be a helpful source of information about upcoming events, tips for caregivers, community resources and more. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas for future editions!

ANNA Announcements

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

ANNA will be closed on the following dates:

Monday, December 23rd - Friday, December 27th, 2024

Wednesday, January 1st, 2025

Happy holidays! ⛄❄

Ask ANNA

Do you have something you’d like to ask the ANNA team? Please submit your question here and we will answer it in a future newsletter!

Support Your Child’s Development

During this busy time of year, it can be helpful to remember that slowing down and giving extra processing time makes a big difference for many children. Some autistic children require more time to understand and respond to verbal instructions, visual cues or changes in their environment, but may not yet be able to recognize or advocate for this.

When speaking to your child or engaging in an activity with them, try pausing intentionally after giving a direction or asking a question. This pause allows your child the space to understand and respond without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Try to resist the urge to repeat or rephrase too quickly, as this can actually reset their processing and create frustration. Instead, maintain a calm and patient demeanor, offering gentle encouragement as they work through their response.

Don’t expect yourself to remember this every single time, but consider trying it when you can- you might be surprised at how much your child can achieve when given the time they need!

Staff Spotlight

Matt is a BCBA who has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2015, delivering services in public school, in-home and early intervention settings. Matt earned his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Simmons University and became a BCBA in 2017. More recently, Matt trained professionals who support autistic individuals in learning strategies to help them prevent, minimize and respond to crises.

Matt works at ANNA because he loves to help children build skills that they will continue to use throughout their lives! Among many fun facts about Matt, is that for a short while he was ranked in the top 2% of NHL13 players (the video game).

Featured Resource

Haircuts by Brandi

Haircuts by Brandi offers in-home haircuts throughout the Metrowest area, and specializes in children who are diagnosed with autism or other disabilities. Brandi understands that haircuts can be a challenge for these children, and is sensitive to sensory and other needs. She is highly recommended by an ANNA staff member!

Brandi can be reached by phone at (508) 308-2308, by email at [email protected] or by Facebook message at https://www.facebook.com/haircutsbybrandi/.

Recommended Reading

My Brother Otto

My Brother Otto by Meg Raby introduces autism through the perspective of a young crow and her autistic brother, Otto. The story is narrated by Otto's sister Piper, who describes Otto’s unique behaviors such as flapping his wings when excited, loving patterns and being sensitive to loud noises. Rather than viewing these traits as strange or wrong, this book celebrates Otto’s special qualities. The book emphasizes acceptance, understanding and the joy of having a sibling who experiences the world differently. Through simple language and vibrant illustrations, it teaches children about autism in a relatable and positive way and encourages them to appreciate what makes everyone unique. It also models how families and friends can embrace neurodiversity with kindness and compassion.

Caregiver Affirmation

“I do what works for my family.”

As the parent or caregiver of an autistic child, it’s important to remind yourself that holidays and special events don’t have to look the same for your family as they do for others- and that’s perfectly ok! If traditional celebrations feel overwhelming to your child, adapting to fit their needs is not a compromise but an act of love. Whether it’s having a quiet dinner at home instead of attending a big gathering, opening gifts in their own time or skipping celebrations entirely, you’re honoring what makes your child and family unique.

Try to let go of the pressure to conform to societal expectations and stay focused on what works best for your child and family’s wellbeing. The memories you create will be just as special and meaningful because they are built on understanding and care. Your efforts to prioritize your child’s comfort and joy are a reflection of the incredible caregiver you are!

All of this said, it is perfectly natural to experience feelings of sadness, envy or any number of other emotions when things are not happening the way you expected. Your feelings, as always, are valid, and there are many parents and caregivers who can relate and provide support. Please reach out to Ashley at [email protected] if you are in need of support or would like help in getting connected.

How can we improve? Please share any feedback about our services, this newsletter or anything else you’d like us to know!